REVIEW: A Highlander’s Destiny by Melissa Mayhue

Sandy M’s review of A Highlander’s Destiny (Daughters of the Glen, Book 5) by Melissa MayhueParanormal Romance published by Pocket 29 Dec 09

Though Ms. Mayhue’s Guardian books are part of her Daughters of the Glen series, she has spoiled me with her Guardian heroes so that they are now my favorites of all her books. The time travel aspect she normally writes is not included to the same extent as in her previous books, there’s enough magic and mysticism to make up for that. And, as usual, her hero and heroine have secrets and issues to overcome, but when love strikes, there’s no stopping them, no matter what’s thrown in their way.

Destiny Noble has had visions all her life. They come to her in her dreams, one piece of the puzzle at a time. The latest vision has led her to Coryell Enterprises to ask for help in the search for her sister, Leah, who the police have labeled as a runaway. Refusing to believe that, Destiny follows her vision, knowing that Jesse will be the one to help her in her quest.

Finally home after completing his Guardian training, Jesse Coryell’s young niece tells him to find his destiny, and when he discovers it’s Destiny Noble who has requested help to find her missing sister, something in his Fae blood tells him to follow up with Destiny. What he finds is an independent woman who is very determined to do things her way, who is definitely hiding something from him, and who calls to him on a level no other woman ever has. He tries to deny his attraction to her, she’s a client after all, but fighting it just may not be a choice when it comes to their destiny.

Afraid of what Jesse might think of her when he finds out about her visions, Destiny holds off telling him about herself. But she learns quickly she has to trust the man for him to find her sister. The only little disappointment I have is with Destiny when she doesn’t take that trust very far. She’s constantly getting herself into trouble and never seems to learn from her mistakes when Jesse has to rescue her each time. I know she’s anxious and worried about her sister, will do anything to find her, but a couple of times she’s just downright lucky things turned out as they did when she went too far on her own.

That being said, Destiny is still a very likable character and she complements Jesse quite nicely. Jesse is a modern day Highlander, but he’s just as alpha and sexy as any medieval counterpart. They both have things they need to work out if there’s to be a relationship between them, but that’s when the trust truly does come and they talk things through to insure their future.

The villain, Adira, and her henchmen are always one step ahead of Jesse and Destiny for the most part, but eventually things turn around in their favor. I was definitely glad to see the last of Adira. Talk about a narcissistic maniac. Ms Mayhue writes those villains just as well as she does her heroes and heroines.

I also like the setup we get for the next book in the series, which is Robert’s story and will be out late January. We met him in an earlier book when he traveled through time to present day. He’s now volunteered to return to his era and I think he’s going to have the trip of a lifetime.

And I have to say I really love the covers Pocket’s artists have created thus far for Ms. Mayhue’s books. Each one is distinct and beautifully done, and you can immediately tell they’re part of a series, and, of course, Ms. Mayhue’s fans know at a glance when they see her books on a bookstore shelf.

Grade: A-

Summary:

When the worlds of Mortal and Fae collide, the magic of true love is put to the test.

JESSE CORYELL is a man adrift in life, searching for his destiny. He doesn’t trust women; too many have chased him for his money and power. He’s tried to lose himself in his work, taking on the worst mankind has to offer, but as a Guardian and Fae descendant, what he really needs is to find his true love. When he sets out to help a mysterious woman find her sister, what he gets is much more than he bargained for, battling an undeniable attraction to his sexy new client while fighting to save her life and rescue her sister.

DESTINY NOBLE is desperately searching for her missing kid sister. Not even her own attempted abduction will stop her in her quest. Abandoned by everyone she’s ever loved, losing Leah is the last straw. Authorities have declared the girl a runaway, but Destiny knows better. Her dreams have shown her the truth. They’ve also shown her Jesse.

Jesse and Destiny race against time to save an innocent girl from a powerful ancient evil. Will true love be their only weapon or will they each sacrifice their own destiny in the process?